Rob T

Yes, the train lengths may have been rather short. Whilst I suspect the frequent tunnels on the lower level might have given the illusion of longer trains, there would be no hiding on the upper level. @Joseph_Pestell I had totally forgotten about the restored carriage clubhouse, so much to enjoy in the article … I must source another copy (oh for the return of exhibitions).

Resurrecting an old thread whilst searching for something completely different… A layout that I haven’t seen mentioned but that I think fully fits this thread (although I’ve only seen it in print form) would be an 8’ x 4’6” layout by Saffron Walden MRC that was Railway of the Month in Railway Modeller December 1971 - I would challenge anyone to fit a longer run into the space… My copy of the magazine disappeared during a house move some years ago, but I’d love to see the layout again!

Hi Stu, I really enjoyed seeing Drewry Lane in the flesh on Saturday in Beckenham. It is exactly what I hope to achieve in my embryonic project so thanks for the inspiration. I'll also be looking to 'borrow' a few of your techniques and frequently check back on this thread. All the best, Rob T.

Hi Ray, I am really enjoying watching this. My own layout is a similar concept, though I doubt it will reach the standard of your and Polly's work. If I may ask a quick question - what ballast have you used? Apologies if you have already said. Keep going, it is an inspiration. Rob.

Marc, Just seen your kind reply. Thanks VERY much for this! The level of detail is exactly what I was hoping for. Your effort in putting this together is much appreciated. Please keep the pictures coming, this is inspiration of the highest order... In fact, you've inspired me to clear some time at the weekend and make a start on a test piece using your techniques. Thanks again and keep up the good work. Rob.

Hi Marc, I really like this. I think it is the way you've got a wealth of detail in a small space without it feeling at all crowded. In 5' in O that is no mean feat. As someone who is teetering on the edge of starting something with foam, can you give some details of how you constructed the board? Did you brace it underneath, or is it just faced with timber? Is there any chance of a photo of the underside? Thanks for sharing and keep the photos coming! All the best, Rob.

Evening everyone, Belated thanks for all of the replies (I've had a really manic time at work, so haven't been able to get online for a bit). I am looking hard into the folding baseboard option. I am not too worried about weight as I will build it as light as possible, plus I don't have to move it far from where I intend to store it to where it'll be run, so I don't think damage will be a problem. I think the folding option will make storage easier and will minimise set-up time (therefore maximising modelling time). I'm also not too put-off by the prospect of building another board. The last was made with off-cuts from previous DIY projects so I've not lost out financially. I'm sure I will find a use for it in the future too. Also, I really enjoyed building it with my Dad, so the idea of some more 'father-son' bonding time to build a new board is great. Finally, Pete (trisonic), I know where you are coming from with the 'another timesaver layout' point. However, I do feel that the revised plan ticks more of my criteria than I could fit into 6 ft. I am looking to build a small layout in the limited space available in my flat. I really want a plan which fits passenger and freight operation into the space and allows some interesting shunting operation. I used the Piano Line plan for inspiration and as soon as I saw Kris' revised and more 'flowing' interpretation it felt 'right.' There were also some great contributions from other posters which I wanted to try to incorporate. To do that (as well as in order to fit a longer run around loop) I needed to lengthen the board. I think that I've managed to fit as many of the elements of what I'm looking for as possible into the space but the next steps are to build the board, buy some more track and put it all together so I can 'play trains' a bit to find out. I am hoping to draft some plans for the board as well as some more detailed layout plans, so I will try to post them on here shortly for further advice/comments. All the best, and thanks for the assistance so far! Rob.

Evening all, Thanks for all of the replies. I must admit you have given me much to think about. As usual, I am now considering a change. I have spent some time this weekend 'playing trains' and have explored a few of the ideas posted here and the points made by various posters have been valid in terms of the tightness of the space. I have had a re-measure of the space available and can fit a board up to 7ft if I can construct a folding, lightweight board which can fold down the middle into a box comprising two 3.5 ft x 1 ft parts. With this in mind, I have evolved the plan into the below. This builds on the original design, but takes in ideas from later developments with the opposing points in the loop. I have tried to keep the medium radius points as they look considerably better (IMHO). I have also been careful to keep any turnouts away from the join (the black line). I have also managed to increase the loop to a more useable length. What are your thoughts? Thanks, Rob.

Wow - thanks to everyone for the various replies! I am bowled over by the response. To be honest, I think it says a lot about the simplicity and charm of the original. Kris - I absolutely love your revision of the plan, it is exactly what I was after. I am keen to take the Piano Line but to update it a little. I really like the fact that your plan is still recognisable, to my eyes at least, as the Piano Line. However, as several have also pointed out, I am worried about the short length of the run-around. Pacific231G - thanks very much for the input (and the PM - I will respond properly to this separately). As the author of the original article on Carl's site you must take credit as my original inspiration. Etched Pixels, I am a huge fan of your interpretation too and you proved to me that it is possible to build the plan. I have been mulling the various permutations around in my mind (and on AnyRail) and have come up with version 1.2. It is based very strongly on Kris' plan but I have also taken into account the revisions to the original plan as posted by Pacific231 and reversed the points at the end of the loop. I have kept the over-bridge, but sadly, it has lost the goods shed. I'd be grateful for any thoughts. Thanks, Rob.

I have decided to start a new project. I have a 6' x 1' board ready which is the maximum size I can accommodate - I live in a small London flat. I am particularly taken with Rev. Heath's Piano Line (as shown on Carl Arendt's excellent site). However, before I fix the track in place I wonder if anyone has any thoughts or improvements for the plan? Is there scope for an additional siding, or will this make the plan too complex? So far, I have the relevant track sections for the plan attached, but am prepared to buy extra if it will improve matters. Any thoughts or comments are gratefully received. Thanks, Rob.